Internal/External -Advertisement-Contract Officer P2 Temporary Appointment 364 days- Port Sudan

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to Future

Background and Strategic Context

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the Organization does in programmes, in advocacy, and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions, her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give more children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. 

 In response to the current crisis in Sudan, UNICEF is scaling up its implementation modalities to the private sector through direct implementation for construction and other consultancy services. The Supply and Logistics Section plays a critical role in supporting UNICEF’s mission by ensuring the timely and efficient procurement and contracting of supplies and services that are essential for programme implementation.

Effective contract management of construction works and consultancies is crucial to maintain transparency, accountability, and value for money in all procurement activities.

 Summary of Key Functions and Accountabilities

The Contract Officer (Services) P2 reports to the Contract Manager (Level 4) for supervision. The contract officer provides technical, operational, and management assistance throughout the procurement processes. The contract officer reviews the ToRs, initiates the contracts, and arranges the necessary documents for the CRC approvals through a variety of technical and administrative tasks.

(1)         Procurement and Contract Management

•Undertake local procurement of supplies and services in accordance with UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, and other applicable procurement procedures.  

•Liaise and coordinate with programs and construction sections to prepare LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.

•Support in conducting surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; establish local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).

•Prepare the terms of reference and other tender documents for selecting construction companies and supervising firms; attend bidders’ conference and present the contracting components of the tender; answer contracting questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.

•Facilitate the evaluation of technical proposals received and provide leadership on the analysis of financial proposals.

•With particular focus on construction projects, undertake a review of Specifications/TOR/evaluation criteria and provide feedback and guidance to requestors to ensure that clear, complete specifications/TOR/evaluation criteria are available for tendering.  Advise on the need for a pre-bid meeting and, if required, lead the preparation, meeting, and writing/distribution of minutes.

•Ensure that adequate vendors are available for issuance of ITB/RFP.  If required, undertake a market survey and update the database with new supplier information.  

•Lead the evaluation process related to ITB/RFP.  Provide advice and guidance throughout the evaluation process and for RFP lead negotiations if required.

•Provide necessary input for CRC submission and arrange CRC meetings in a timely manner in collaboration with the Contracts Manager.  Following the CRC meeting, draft minutes for signature and relevant signatures.

•Once CRC approval is provided, raise obligating documents in VISION and coordinate with the supplier for the signature of the contract/PO.

•Monitor the LTA plan in coordination with the Contracts Manager to undertake subsequent extensions or retendering of LTA requirements.

•Draft the contracts and make sure they are signed by the responsible authorities, suppliers, contractors, and consultants.

•Any other duties or assignments as requested. 

(2)         Advisory Services and Technical Support

•Provide necessary inputs to CRC submission and arrange CRC meetings in a timely manner in collaboration with the contract manager.

•Following the CRC meeting, draft minutes and CRC documents for relevant signatures.

•Once CRC approval is provided, raise obligating documents in VISION and coordinate with the supplier for the signature of the contract/PO.

•Provide technical advice to programme staff on procurement-related matters.

•Ensure compliance with UNICEF procurement policies and procedures.

(3)         Programme Management and Monitoring

•Monitor LTA contracts and plan new LTA in coordination with the contract manager to undertake subsequent extensions or retendering of LTA requirements.

•Track procurement timelines and ensure timely delivery of goods and services.

•Maintain up-to-date records of all procurement actions and contracts.

•Prepare regular reports on procurement activities and contract status.

(4)         Capacity Building and Knowledge Management

•Support the capacity building of staff on procurement processes and procedures.

•Document lessons learned and best practices in procurement and contract management for services including construction.

•Contribute to knowledge management within the Supply section.

(5)         Humanitarian Procurement Preparedness

•Support emergency procurement when required.

•Ensure familiarity with UNICEF’s procedures for responding to procurement emergencies.

•Maintain a roster of suppliers, consultants, and contractors for emergency response.

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies: 

Qualification/Work Experience

•University degree in Business Administration, management, supply chain, procurement or related field.

• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of Supply, contracts, and procurement.

•Emergency experience is an advantage.

•Experience with UN procurement systems is an asset.

•Fluency in English required. Knowledge of the Arabic language is an asset.

Skills

•Strong overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programme, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction projects. • Strong understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes

•Good Competence in the Supply aspects of ERP/VISION.

•Proficient in the Microsoft Office package, in particular Excel and Word, with a sound knowledge of Excel-based analytical tools.

•Good judgment, initiative, a high sense of responsibility, tact, and discretion.

•Good negotiating and writing skills.

•Ability to multitask and prioritize.

•Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Qualifications: 

•Master’s degree or advanced diploma in procurement or supply chain is beneficial. 

•Professional certification like CIPS, CIPM etc are highly recommended

•Strong analytical skills for procurement scenarios using data analysis tools like Excel and Power BI

•Evidence of soft skills negotiating and building strong relationships with vendors

UNICEF values and competencies required (based on the updated Framework)  Core Values:

•Care

•Respect

•Integrity

•Trust

•Accountability

•Sustainability

Core Competencies (For Staff without Supervisory Responsibilities) *

•Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)

•Works Collaboratively with others (1)

•Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)

•Innovates and Embraces Change (1)

•Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)

•Drive to achieve impactful results (1)

•Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable [female] are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments who are considered to be on abolished post status may apply for this temporary position and, if selected with a start date before 31 December 2025, may take it up as a temporary assignment, in line with UNICEF guidance on separation due to the abolition of posts or staff reduction. They will retain their fixed-term entitlements but will not hold a lien to their abolished post. For other scenarios where a Temporary Assignment may be possible, please refer to Additional guidance on IP to IP temporary assignments after completion of the full TOD.pdf (accessible to UNICEF personnel only).

The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.